Patent Counsel

As the world's leader in digital payments technology, Visa's mission is to connect the world through the most creative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company's dedication to innovation drives the rapid growth of connected commerce on any device, and fuels the dream of a cashless future for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce.

At Visa, your individuality fits right in. Working here gives you an opportunity to impact the world, invest in your career growth, and be part of an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are a global team of disruptors, trailblazers, innovators and risk-takers who are helping drive economic growth in even the most remote parts of the world, creatively moving the industry forward, and doing meaningful work that brings financial literacy and digital commerce to millions of unbanked and underserved consumers.

You're an Individual. We're the team for you. Together, let's transform the way the world pays.

In this position, the Patent Counsel provides intellectual property (IP) legal services to clients primarily in the computer software and hardware arts.

Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

• Preparation and prosecution of U.S. and foreign patent applications.
• Advising clients on freedom to operate in view of 3rd-party patents.
• Assisting in drafting and negotiating agreements, including licenses, joint development agreements, technology agreements, and nondisclosure agreements.
• Providing IP subject matter expertise to commercial attorneys.
• Assessing claims involving intellectual property rights by and against 3rd parties.
• Advising clients in the development and implementation of intellectual property protection strategies to support the needs of individual business units.

Basic Qualifications

• Four to seven years of experience in drafting and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; prep and pros experience in the software arts required.  Expertise in subject matter eligibility required. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree and undergraduate, or graduate, degree in applicable engineering or science, preferably in electrical engineering or computer science.
• Admission to practice before U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and admission to at least one State or District of Columbia Bar.  Eligible for Registered In-House Counsel status in California.
• Experience evaluating third party patents, performing freedom-to-operate studies, and drafting freedom-to-operate opinions.
• Ability to implement and monitor intellectual property strategies to support business needs and make changes to such strategies as needed.
• Experience drafting license agreements, development agreements, and nondisclosure agreements.
• Experience practicing in both a large law firm and an in-house legal department desired.

Work Hours:

• Varies upon the needs of the department

Travel Requirements:

• This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

• This position will be performed in an office setting.  The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers, reach with hands and arms, and bend or lift up to 25 pounds.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Article 49 of the San Francisco Police Code.

Visa is an EEO Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.